Illinois · MSW programs by city
Best MSW Programs near Aurora, IL (2026)
Published · Last updated
Edited by Zoe MacDougall, BS in Psychology
Aurora, Illinois (population 177,563) has 1 CSWE-accredited MSW program based in the city , with 10 more accredited programs within about 60 miles. 8 Illinois programs also offer an online option. Every program below is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the requirement for Illinois licensure.
Best MSW programs in Aurora, IL
Accredited programs with a campus in Aurora, IL, ranked by our five-factor model. National and online rank badges appear only for programs in the top 25 (nationally, or among online programs).
- #1 In Aurora, IL
Aurora University
Aurora, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1974 · Online or On-Campus
8.2
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Aurora University has held CSWE accreditation since 1974, 52 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Aurora, IL; Williams Bay, WI; Woodstock, IL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 8.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 9.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Best MSW programs near Aurora, IL
Accredited programs whose nearest campus is within about 60 miles of Aurora, IL, ranked by our five-factor model. Each card shows the campus city and straight-line distance from the city center.
- #1 Chicago · ~32 mi
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1921 · Online or On-Campus
8.7
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Loyola University Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1921, 105 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 1 concentration (Other). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 4 dual-degree options and 4 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Other
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #2 Chicago · ~32 mi
University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1946 · On-Campus
8.0
5 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Illinois Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1946, 80 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 5 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Community Development and Social Systems; Criminal Justice; and more). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option and 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Community Development and Social Systems, Criminal Justice, Mental Health, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 10.0
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #3 Chicago · ~32 mi
University of Chicago
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 1919 · On-Campus
7.9
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
University of Chicago has held CSWE accreditation since 1919, 107 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Clinical or Direct Practice; Management or Administration). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 2 dual-degree options and 2 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice, Management or Administration
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 10.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 9.5
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #4 Joliet · ~18 mi
University of St. Francis, The
Joliet, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2006 · Online or On-Campus
6.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
University of St. Francis, The has held CSWE accreditation since 2006, 20 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Joliet, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 3 embedded certificates.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.4
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 8.3
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 8.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #5 Chicago · ~32 mi
Chicago State University
Chicago, Illinois, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2001 · On-Campus
6.1
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Chicago State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2001, 25 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, Illinois). It records 3 concentrations (Advanced Generalist; Program Evaluation; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Advanced Generalist, Program Evaluation, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 5.0
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #6 University Park · ~37 mi
Governors State University
University Park, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2002 · On-Campus
5.8
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Governors State University has held CSWE accreditation since 2002, 24 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (University Park, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; School Social Work). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 embedded certificate.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.9
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 6.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #7 Chicago · ~32 mi
Erikson Institute
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2013 · Online or On-Campus
5.7
2 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing Online optionWhy it ranks here
Erikson Institute has held CSWE accreditation since 2013, 13 years of standing as of 2026. The MSW is offered both online and on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.6
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.9
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 7.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #8 Chicago · ~32 mi
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2016 · On-Campus
5.3
3 concentrations ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Northeastern Illinois University has held CSWE accreditation since 2016, 10 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 3 concentrations (Children, Youth, and Families; School Social Work; Leadership). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Children, Youth, and Families, School Social Work, Leadership
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.2
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 7.1
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #9 Chicago · ~32 mi
DePaul University
Chicago, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2007 · On-Campus
5.3
2 concentrations No Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
DePaul University has held CSWE accreditation since 2007, 19 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Chicago, IL). It records 2 concentrations (Community Development and Social Systems; Forensic Social Work). Students can enroll full-time or part-time. The program also offers 1 dual-degree option.
Concentrations
Community Development and Social Systems, Forensic Social Work
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 4.3
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 5.4
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 4.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
- #10 Romeoville · ~14 mi
Lewis University
Romeoville, IL, IL · CSWE-accredited since 2017 · On-Campus
5.0
1 concentration ✓ Advanced Standing On-campusWhy it ranks here
Lewis University has held CSWE accreditation since 2017, 9 years of standing as of 2026. The program is delivered on campus (Romeoville, IL). It records 1 concentration (Clinical or Direct Practice). An Advanced Standing track is available for qualified BSW holders. Students can enroll full-time or part-time.
Concentrations
Clinical or Direct Practice
Five-factor score breakdown
- Accreditation longevity (30%) 3.1
- Pathways & laddering (22%) 4.7
- Prestige (Carnegie research tier) (18%) 5.0
- Delivery format (18%) 5.0
- Schedule flexibility (12%) 10.0
Online MSW programs available in Aurora, IL
Illinois-based CSWE-accredited programs with an online option, which Aurora, IL residents can complete from home. See the full online MSW ranking for national options.
| Institution | Accredited | Adv. Standing | Natl. |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 1946 | Yes | #27 |
| Loyola University Chicago | 1921 | Yes | #30 |
| Aurora University | 1974 | Yes | #57 |
| Southern Illinois University Carbondale | 1988 | Yes | #91 |
| Dominican University | 2001 | Yes | #113 |
| University of St. Francis, The | 2006 | Yes | #131 |
| Erikson Institute | 2013 | Yes | #220 |
| Chamberlain University | 2019 | Yes | #300 |
How much do social workers make in Aurora, IL in 2026?
Aurora, Illinois sits within the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, the labor market that sets pay and demand for its social workers. Across specialties, the area employs roughly 20,960 social workers , and the best-paid specialty here is social workers, all other at a $71,740 median. Figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program (May 2025).
| Occupation | Employed | Median wage | Typical range (10th–90th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare social workers | 3,770 | $71,430 | $49,300 – $97,880 |
| Mental health & substance abuse social workers | 2,450 | $57,720 | $46,040 – $83,260 |
| Child, family & school social workers | 13,550 | $64,790 | $48,460 – $110,390 |
| Social workers, all other | 1,190 | $71,740 | $45,920 – $114,690 |
| Social & community service managers (macro) | 5,390 | $79,150 | $52,000 – $124,790 |
How local pay compares
Child, family & school social workers around Aurora, IL earn a median of $64,790 versus $63,220 statewide in Illinois and $67,310 nationally. That is at or above the Illinois median.
Where do social workers work in Aurora, IL in 2026?
Aurora, Illinois sits in Kane County. Organizations in and around the city that commonly employ MSW-level social workers include:
- Association for Individual Development (AID)
- Rush Copley Medical Center
- Aurora University
- East Aurora and West Aurora School Districts
- Kane County Health Department
Representative local employers known to operate in the area; illustrative, not an exhaustive or BLS-sourced list.
Nationally, BLS projects social worker employment to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, driven by demand in healthcare and mental-health settings. Macro roles such as social and community service managers are projected to grow alongside them. See pay by role in our career guides.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN; employment projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Wages are annual medians.
What kind of social work license do I need in Aurora, IL?
After an MSW from Aurora, IL or anywhere, these are the Illinois social work licenses, per ASWB. A CSWE-accredited degree is required for each.
| License | Education | Supervised hours | Exam |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 1 (LCSW1) | Master of Social Work | 3000 hours | Clinical; Alternative path if exam attempted at leasat once |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 2 (LCSW2) | Doctorate of Social Work | 2000 hours | Clinical; Alternative path if exam attempted at leasat once |
| Licensed Clinical Social Worker 3 (LCSW3) | Doctorate of Social Work or Master of Social Work | Clinical | |
| Licensed Social Worker 1 (LSW1) | Master of Social Work | — | Exam Not Required |
| Licensed Social Worker 2 (LSW2) | Bachelor of Social Work | Three years required number of hours not specified | Exam Not Required |
Source: ASWB social work licensure database. Verify current requirements with the Illinois state board before applying.
Why bilingual social workers are in demand in Aurora
Aurora is Illinois's second-largest city, and it is home to a large and long-established Latino community in the Fox Valley. Much of the day-to-day social work here happens in two languages, from school parent conferences to benefits enrollment to behavioral health intake. A social worker who can move comfortably between English and Spanish is not a nice extra in this city; they are often the reason a family gets served at all.
If you are studying toward an MSW with Aurora in mind, treat language and cultural fluency as core professional skills. Ask prospective programs how they teach culturally responsive practice and whether field placements connect you with the community organizations that residents already trust.
Immigrant community social work in Aurora
Aurora's population has grown through waves of immigration, and its social service network reflects that. Families here may be navigating documentation questions, mixed-status households, work in manufacturing and service jobs, and the ordinary stresses of raising children far from extended family. Good practice means understanding those realities without making assumptions about any one household.
For MSW students, the Fox Valley offers placements that build exactly this kind of judgment: resettlement and legal-aid partners, health clinics, and neighborhood nonprofits. Aurora also sits within reach of programs across the metro, so many students train in the suburbs or Chicago and return here to practice. Our Illinois city guides can help you compare where to study, including nearby Joliet.
School social work in Aurora
With a young, growing, and multilingual population, Aurora's schools lean heavily on social workers. School social workers here support students through attendance and behavior concerns, family crises, immigration-related stress, and the mental health needs that surface long before a child can name them. Bilingual practitioners are especially valued because so much of the job is building trust with parents.
School social work in Illinois has its own credentialing route through the State Board of Education, so if this is your goal, plan the path early. Our school social worker profile explains the role, and our credentials guide walks through Illinois licensure. Many graduates find that district positions offer a schedule and stability that pair well with raising their own families.
Social work jobs in Aurora and the Chicago metro
Aurora gives social workers a useful position in the region. You can build a full career inside the city and its surrounding Kane and DuPage County agencies, or you can commute toward Naperville, the western suburbs, or Chicago itself for roles that are not available closer to home. The Metra line and the interstate corridor make both realistic.
That flexibility matters when you are weighing an MSW. A degree earned anywhere in the metro travels well throughout it, so you are not locked into practicing where you studied. Compare programs and outcomes across the state on our Illinois MSW ranking, and use our salary pages to see how suburban and city roles tend to differ.
Child and family welfare social work in Aurora
Much of Aurora's social work centers on children and families: early intervention, foster care and reunification, domestic violence services, and the wraparound support that keeps struggling households together. Because so many families here are bilingual or immigrant, this work rewards patience, cultural humility, and the ability to connect people to resources they may not know exist.
It is emotionally heavy work, but many practitioners find it the most meaningful part of the field. If you are drawn to it, our profile of the child and family social worker role explains typical responsibilities and the path in. Clinical licensure widens your options over time, so review the LSW and LCSW steps in our credentials guide as you plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CSWE-accredited MSW programs are in Aurora, IL?
How much do social workers earn in Aurora, IL?
Can I earn an MSW online from Aurora, IL?
What license do MSW graduates need in Illinois?
MSW programs in other Illinois cities
Sources
- CSWE Directory of Accredited Programs for program accreditation, campuses, and structure.
- U.S. Census Bureau 2023 Gazetteer (city coordinates) and Population Estimates Program (population).
- ASWB social work licensure database for Illinois license requirements.
Published 2026-06-12; last updated 2026-06-23. "Near" means a program campus within 60 straight-line miles of the city center.